Aston Villa will be without Kortney Hause and Wesley Moraes against Leeds on Saturday afternoon, but Dean Smith revealed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that the pair are just weeks away from returning.

He said: “Kortney Hause is due to be back on the grass next week and Wesley is getting closer to a full return to contact training, which should happen in the next week or two.”

Hause has made only seven appearances in all competitions this season, last featuring in December’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. The 25-year-old has spent most of the campaign sidelined with injury after groin trouble kept him out in October and November, while an ankle problem has sidelined him in 2021 (Transfermarkt).

Wesley hasn’t made a single appearance this season as he is still recovering from a long-term knee injury. The 24-year-old’s last appearance came in Villa’s 2-1 win over Burnley on New Year’s Day 2020 (Transfermarkt), but he should return in some capacity before the campaign comes to a close.

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Villa will be without Matty Cash, Hause, Jack Grealish and Wesley against Leeds United, but Smith still has the luxury of his preferred centre-back pairing of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings, as well as Ollie Watkins, who has led the line impeccably this season.

Villa should have a completely clean bill of health in the coming weeks all going well, so there could be real competition for places then.